DAFZA Launches 'Green Initiative' to Reserve Environment

Dubai, UAE, 21 May, 2012: In line with its commitment to decrease the adverse impact of operations on the environment, Dubai Airport Freezone Authority (DAFZA) , the fastest growing freezone in the Middle East, launches ambitious series of environment awareness activities and initiatives aiming at educating the staff about recent environmental practices.

The initiative started with the formation of the Green Team which is an environment group of employees who engage in training their colleagues, involve them in environmental activities, and highlight how each member can play an important role in preserving the environment on both, individual and corprate level. The training programs comprise of weekly activities, awareness sessions, global practices education and society engagement.

Commenting on the initiative, Buthaina Bin Fahad, Director of Information and Communication Technology and the leader of the Green Team said: "Over the last decade, DAFZA has had sustainable practices at the forefront of its operations. The buildings in the Free Zone have been built using materials that support low power consumption; for instance glass materials are used to enable well-lit interiors and hence reduce power consumption from electricity lighting."

She added, "DAFZA recently launched a Business Award in the area of Health & Safety and Environment to engage the tenants operating in the free zone into environment protection programs."

"We believe that it is every person's and organization's responsibility to show care and respect to the community they live or operate in, and to the environment as a whole. We have lined up a series of interesting and effective activities and training workshops that will assist in increasing the level of environmental awareness within our staff. This will also serve in elevating the overall environmental responsible performance and implementing the best practices in our day to day operations."

The Green Team has already participated in several environmental activities throughout the year including the recently celebrated Earth Hour, the 'Clean up UAE' and 'Clean up the World' campaigns. Moreover, the team has participated in the World Water Day, and collaborated with Dubai Municipality to organize the "Water and food Security Day".

"We are very excited about this initiative, and we are currently planning a full program of events and activities in order to ensure that the culture of environment preserving grows within our workforce." concluded Bin Fahad.

Among its many awards, the free zone has received the 'Sustainable Facility Management Initiative Award' from the Saudi Arabia Kingdom Expansion Awards , ISO 14001: 2004 Environmental Management System and BS OHSAS 18001:2007 Occupational Health & Safety Management System certificates.